Thread: What hardware are you using for OM?

Originally Posted by justchat_1

Yes it does... although typically performance will be better running 2 zones with 2 cores then 1 zone with 1 core due to some tasks being common to both zones.

Good to know. Thanks. I'm starting to get excited about upgrading. Even though it will be pieces at a time. Already ordered a lot of 5 USB audio adapters (not that I need that many but cheap enough). Zotac board is next.

Originally Posted by jpmack

Exactly what he said, the font is terrible so if you need to do alot of reading from text this won't be a good solution, however for videos and music it is great, just like hooking a dvd play to it through composite.

I think I can live with that. Rear passengers will play music or watch video. Occassionally hook up AV from portable media players but then that's through the front AV port on the displays. My typical passengers won't be surfing the web or reading emails. Then again, I won't be either . 3G connections would be more for quick reference like weather and such, and typically while standing still.

This is the board I think I'll get:

ZOTAC IONITX-F-E

• CPU: Intel Atom Dual Core Processor 330(1.6 GHz, 1MB Cache, FSB 533MHz)
• Chipset: MCP7A-ION
• Memory: 2x 240pin DDR2-800/667 DIMMs, Max capacity 4GB
• Slots: 1x PCI Express 2.0 x16 Slot; 1x Mini PCI-Express x1 Slot(occupied by WiFi module)
• SATA: 3x SATA2 Ports, 1x eSATA2 Port, Support RAID 0, 1, 0+1
• Audio: Integrated 5.1 Channel High Definition Audio CODEC
• Video: nVidia GeForce 9400M Graphic Controller
• LAN: Integrated Gigabit Ethernet Controller
• Ports: 10x USB Ports (6 rear, 4 by headers); 1x PS/2 Keyboard Port; 1x VGA Port; 1x DVI Port; 1x HDMI Port; 1x RJ45 LAN Port; 1x Optical S/PDIF Out; 1x Coaxial S/PDIF Out; Audio I/O Jacks
• Power Connector: 1x 20pin Power

John

Only thing that sucks about Zotac boards is that the DVI is a DVI-D port. I had to buy a special converter for the screen to use that port. I would have used the HDMI port, but I had the converter from install number 3, which didnt have HDMI, only DVI-D and VGA.

What soundcards did you get? I got 6 of them from Amazon. They cost me like 3.85 each then a thing like 2.99 in shipping for each, which still isnt bad. One is on the main system for Dual Zone, then the other 5 are on the Multi-zone system.

Here they are all plugged into a hub. Only thing I hare is that they are very wide. I had to give up two usb ports to provide enough space. Two of the units I had to dremel to get side my side. I will say, they work very well. The produce simulated 7.1 surround sound.

Wow, that's quite the collection of hardware! And my wife thought I was addicted. LOL.

For rear video, I thought maybe get a TVOUT capable card to put in the PCI slot, and keep the VGA port for front like my current setup is already.

Here is a link to the audio adapters. I know the ebay links will disappear down the road, but not sure how to better link to it. Click images to go there.



And while I'm at it, here is one to the displays I've been considering (or something similar):

Originally Posted by jmullan99

Here is a link to the audio adapters. I know the ebay links will disappear down the road, but not sure how to better link to it. Click images to go there.

I got one of those a few months ago...don't make the same mistake. Quality was beyond horrible, it sounded like an old AM radio.

Originally Posted by justchat_1

I got one of those a few months ago...don't make the same mistake. Quality was beyond horrible, it sounded like an old AM radio.

DOH! They are already on the way

At least $20 won't make me cry. Perhaps I can sell them off to someone else.

So I guess I'll be looking for something else.

You do get what you pay for... for simple USB stereo audio, probably the best out there (for the price) is the Turtle Beach Audio Advantage micro (I think it's the Micro II now). I think they could be had for about $25. Just a single stereo output (pretty acceptable quality), that also can act as an optical digital output.

Here ya go:
Turtle Beach Audio Advantage Micro II

This is the same one i listed earlier in my setup, and I can tell you it is of good quality and sounds great. I use it for my zone 2 audio to the headrest screens which then broadcast it ou through IR to the Headphones!

Originally Posted by jpmack

Here ya go:
Turtle Beach Audio Advantage Micro II

This is the same one i listed earlier in my setup, and I can tell you it is of good quality and sounds great. I use it for my zone 2 audio to the headrest screens which then broadcast it out through IR to the Headphones!

Yes that sounds just like my plans, and I will check that out. Newegg doesn't appear to ship to Canada, but I'll look around.